Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae
Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae is a soul-warming Korean tofu stew that hits every flavor note you crave. This bold, tangy, and spicy stew relies on well-aged kimchi to build a complex, umami-rich broth. Perfectly comforting and packed with plant-based protein, it uses silken tofu and aromatic aromatics to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. It is a humble, rustic, and incredibly satisfying dish that proves you do not need meat to achieve deep, punchy, and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
1 tablespoon gochujang paste
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
A pinch of MSG (optional)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium white onion, sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
14-15 oz aged kimchi with juices, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups vegetable broth
10 oz soft or silken tofu, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Green onion for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, and MSG in a small bowl to form a paste and set aside.
Heat the canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or clay pot over medium heat.
Sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
Add the kimchi to the pot and stir-fry for 5 minutes until the kimchi softens slightly.
Stir in the prepared flavor paste and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
Carefully add the silken tofu pieces into the stew.
Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the tofu to heat through without breaking.
Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Use well-aged, sour kimchi for the best flavor. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or leafy greens if desired. Ensure your gochujang is gluten-free if you have dietary sensitivities.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/vegetarian-kimchi-jjigae/